Could a dodgy nut cause bad sustain? Need help.

[Disco_Gee]

I just recently purchased a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass. It sounds really nice but I've noticed that the open E string seems to have less sustain than any of the others. If I play any of the fretted notes on the E it sounds fine, but when I play it open it seems to have a lot less sustain. If I watch the string closely I can see that it doesn't vibrate as long as if I play an F or F#, or any other note on the E string.

I changed the strings, adjusted the action a little, and altered the truss rod slightly to see if any of the helps. It doesn't. I don't think it's the bridge because the fretted notes sound fine. Could it be the nut? If so, would putting in a new/better help? Any other ideas on what it could be?

[therex]

it could be the nut but check first, you dont want to waste money for nothing
see how well does the string fits in the nut compared to the others

[xshawnxearthx]

maybe take a small nail file and run it through the nut a few times basically clearing out any unwanted material from the sides of the slot. i think this might help.

[XylemBassGuitar]

Yep, clean out the nut slot a little. Also check that the slot isn't too wide for the string--if the string has too much room to move around in the slot, it can have a negative effect on your sustain. If this is the case, you'll probably need a new nut.

Also, make sure that the part of the string that leaves the tuning post and extends to the nut is at the very bottom of the tuning post. This will increase your break angle at the nut an improve your sustain.